Bulldogs see Chambers as Idris replacement

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have targeted Queensland Reds rugby union player Will Chambers as a potential replacement for Jamal Idris.

Idris leaves at the end of the season to join the Gold Coast Titans. The Bulldogs have identified Chambers, the former Melbourne Storm player who had a somewhat disappointing season with the Reds this year, as an option for the right centre position.

While the club is yet to make a formal offer, Bulldogs recruitment manager Peter Mulholland confirmed yesterday the club was interested in Chambers, but is unlikely to be in a position to make a formal offer until the club appoints a new coach.

”We are still looking at a centre position and he is a player we would have interest in,” Mulholland said. ”But we can’t make any calls until there’s a new coach.”

The Bulldogs are expected to announce who will replace axed coach Kevin Moore within the next month, with Michael Potter, Ricky Stuart and Terry Matterson favoured, along with the current interim Jim Dymock. That might count against them in their pursuit of Chambers.

There is some uncertainty over their salary cap position next year due to action being taken against the club by prop Ryan Tandy following his sacking. The club still has Jonathan Wright as a possible replacement for Idris at right centre.

Chambers may be in a position to make a decision before the Bulldogs sign a coach, however. He is expected to receive an offer from the Reds next week, while there has also been interest from the Storm and the Cronulla Sharks to secure his services.